IMPARTIAL

DEUTERONOMY 1:17 (GNT)
Show no partiality in your decisions; judge everyone on the same basis, no matter who they are. Do not be afraid of anyone, for the decisions you make come from God.

JAMES 2:9 (CEV)
But if you treat some people better than others, you have done wrong, and the Scriptures teach that you have sinned.

THE ESSENCE
We're to remain impartial, treating all people well.  

DAILY FODDER
How do we handle this command when someone doesn’t deserve to be treated well?

PRAYER
Loving Father, you teach me to love my neighbors and not judge them. I regret using my one mouth to judge rather than my two ears to listen to the trials of others. Reveal to me those neighbors who are partners in serving you. Give me opportunities to use my voice to confidently encourage them. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

DON'T HESITATE

JOSHUA 8:1 (MSG)
Don’t be timid and don’t so much as hesitate.

MATTHEW 9:29-30 (CEB)
Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, “It will happen for you just as you have believed.” Their eyes were opened.

THE ESSENCE
When it comes to responding to God's instructions, don't so much as hesitate to act.

DAILY FODDER
What kinds of things does God ask us to do without hesitation? What usually slows down your response to God's instructions?

PRAYER
God, you are our Supreme Leader. Your directions are always on point. Forgive me for overthinking the situation and hesitating to respond to your instruction. Help me to faithfully understand your biblical guidance and the prompting of the Spirit so I can move with alacrity. I want to be a faithful agent of your regime. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

THE VOICE

JOB 33:13-14 (GNT)
Why do you accuse God
of never answering our complaints?
Although God speaks again and again,
no one pays attention to what he says.

REVELATION 2:7 (CEB)
If you can hear, listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

THE ESSENCE
God is speaking to those who are listening.

DAILY FODDER
How do you normally hear God speak? 

PRAYER
Almighty God, there is no greater voice in all of creation. Yet, we have trouble hearing you. If we could only get closer to you, we might understand, but how do we get closer when we can't hear you? Break into our little personal realms. Bridge the sound gap that we can't bridge, not just because we are lesser beings, but because we are sinful beings. Gently nudge us into union with Christ Jesus, so that we can live in full communication with you. I want to hear what you're saying. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

IDOLS

The 22nd Sunday after Pentecost

DEUTERONOMY 4:23 (NRSVUE)
So be careful, lest you forget the covenant that the Lord your God made with you and make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything that the Lord your God has forbidden you.

ROMANS 1:20 (CEB)
Ever since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—God’s eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, because they are understood through the things God has made.

THE ESSENCE
Idols are unhelpful distractions from how God reveals himself.  

DAILY FODDER
What do idols look like in the 21st century? 

PRAYER
Heavenly Creator, I am grateful and awed to be part of your earthly and eternal creation. I am sorry when the idols of this world distract me. Help me to rest in your purpose. As I worship you today, may my words of praise and prayer be part of my ongoing celebration of you and of your covenant. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.